Water
Water utilities can be running and still not be recovered
COMMENTARY | Questions around whether water is safe to drink tell only half the story. Public reporting does not show if trusted operational authority has been re-established.
States, feds scramble to prevent more water cyberattacks
In the weeks after nine states were hit, lawmakers at the federal and state levels have proposed new funding to harden infrastructure, but experts warned they remain vulnerable.
White House to soon launch water provider cyber protection program
The plans come as several states face water system intrusions from what some official suspect could be linked to Iran.
How a research paper helped spark Utah’s data center water law
What began as an effort by three fellows at the Aspen Institute resulted in a push to bring more transparency around how data centers consume water in the state.
New ‘Water Watch Center’ launched to help small utilities stop cyberattacks
The initiative comes as multiple states grapple with intrusions into their water systems that some officials suspect could be tied to Iran.
What’s in the water? What we know and don’t know about data center water discharge in Virginia
Most data centers in Virginia are permitted to discharge water into municipal wastewater systems, the same place household water goes to be treated and recycled for consumption. But there’s limited data tracking of potential chemicals in data centers’ discharge water.
Local Texas leaders believe data center plans may be behind delays to emergency water supply
Across Texas, a booming buildout of server farms is adding strain to water resources that are already stretched to their limit.
Researchers warn of AI, data centers’ water impact
Two separate reports warned the technology and the infrastructure needed to power it could exhaust water supplies. But they said policy could help avert the worst disasters.
How to make data centers less thirsty
There’s a way to reduce both the climate and water harms of data centers: build them in places with lots of wind and solar energy.
Regional approach could solve water sector’s cyber challenges
The federal government has repeatedly warned of threats to critical infrastructure, which faces budget and staffing challenges. Better collaboration could help ease some of those challenges.
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‘Water is complicated’: Utah looks to data-driven future for natural resources
The state is embarking on a management refresh for its Great Salt Lake amid competing oversight and the ever-present threat of drought. Tech and AI could help make that revamp easier.
Water systems’ cybersecurity dogged by ‘turf war’ between IT, OT
It can be hard to break down siloes between the operational and information technology in water utilities. But speakers at a recent panel called for more visibility and cooperation to keep critical infrastructure safe.
Feds offer new data, research to refresh states’ water woes
A new report and data tool from the U.S. Geological Survey can help policymakers better understand where water supply risks exist in the U.S. to inform efforts to better manage the critical resource.
More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products
In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.
Ensuring resilient water infrastructure requires creative financing
COMMENTARY | Federal support is key to ensuring water systems are safe. But state and local governments have a critical role to play, too.
Small water utilities cannot achieve PFAS cleanup on their own
COMMENTARY | Limited budgets, smaller customer bases and skeleton crews put a heavier PFAS burden on rural systems; polluters should be held accountable.
Water-challenged state uses AI, satellites to find leaks
New Mexico will use artificial intelligence to monitor satellite images to identify leaks before they become major problems.
Why the election may slow plans to replace lead pipes
While many cities and states have begun to replace their lead pipes, some utilities and officials say the proposed 10-year time frame is unfeasible and too expensive.
Water system upgrades could require more than $1 trillion over next 20 years
Studies show how aging infrastructure and climate change are creating huge financial obstacles for cities and water utilities.
State dam safety programs could get new look after summer storms
The pressure is on aging dams as climate change fuels more intense weather, but it often takes high-profile incidents to focus lawmakers and other officials on the problem.
